I've been modelling, painting miniatures and wargaming since I was a wee lad in Swansea, this blog details some of my interests - I hope that you like it.
In 2010 I started a new modelling venture - building 40mm AWI/ACW terrain pieces and designing 28mm masters, which are then cast and available for sale from Grand Manner. - All original images and text are copyright of A. S. Harwood (Dampfpanzerwagon)

Saturday, 1 March 2008

Dwarves in Tanks part seven

Dwarves in Tanks 7

Heavy Steam Tank development for siege warfare. The first 'true tank!'

DampfPanzerWagon VII (Beetle)The development of the DPW was directly associated with tactical requirements on the battlefield. In particular as the weaponry improved the need for additional protection and cross-country performance. The role of assault or counter-battery was in the main taken up with fixed or heavy artillery (traditional artillery). The ‘Beetle’ was the first attempt by Dwarf engineers to mount a siege gun on a steam carriage, an armoured steam carriage or 'assault tank'.

During the assault on the kennel fortress of Poodlestrasse the need for an armoured assault cannon was identified and satisfied with the latest development in this fast moving area of military technology with the DampfPanzerWagon VII or ‘Beetle’. More than any other DPW so far described, the DPW VII was a true ‘tank’, with equal importance placed on protective armour, firepower and mobility.

Designed around a 12 inch mortar cannon the DPW VII was always going to dominate the battle field. This linked to the revolutionary sloped and curved armour made this a difficult target to damage.

Special RulesNone yet developed.

ConstructionThe whole model was inspired by a spray can top ('CIF' in the UK, - a bathroom cleaner) which was cut in half vertically and the centre section extended with a cardboard ‘bung’ and cardboard supports. The model was then clad in plastic card and the bottom also covered with plastic card.

The turret was a plastic tube (pencil sharpener) and the chimney a pen barrel. Other detailing was from scrap, for example the hatch was a button and the airvent in front of the turret was from the top of a pen.

During construction part of the 'Cif' spray top cracked and rather than abandoning the model - I modelled the damage as a 'field repair' with added strapping and rivets!

The main gun area was also a pen barrel and the armourment around this area was modelled in Milliput, once dry the Milliput was sanded and smoothed before rivet detail was added from sliced plastic rod.

The wheels came from a Wild, Wild, Wild model and were cut to fit below the main body. The model is painted in metallic grey with a ribbon moto painted to the front. The other main colour’s are the red band around the base and the yellow, black chimney, identifying this tank as one of the siege tanks used in the battle of Kartoffen.

I have two more DampfPanzerWagon models constructed, but not yet painted, the first is a large 'steam Punk' style vehicle which is currently undercoated black and awaiting inspiration as to what colour it should be painted. The second is a smaller steam tank inspired by the Games Workshop Empire steam tank for the 'Empires game' and not the 28mm versions. This model is still naked and allthough it has a commander, is not even undercoated. Should this change - additional photos and history will be added.

Followers

About Me

Born and brought up in Swansea, South Wales, I now live in Droitwich with my wife Sue. My daughter Holly is now working as a teacher in Stourport. My son, Gary lives in Leamington Spa with his Wife Beckie and our two Grandsons Finley and Charlie, but I still think of myself as a 'Jack' (an in-joke known to those of a certain age who count Swansea as their home town). Like my Grandfather, my Father and Uncle, I have made models, painted toy soldiers and wargamed since I was a very young boy and now feel privileged that I have the time to dedicate to my hobby. This Blog is a great way recording how I have developed as a modeller, but it's not ALL about model making. I hope you enjoy it. Tony